FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 25, 2008
Services United for Mothers and Adolescents (SUMA)
to transfer services to Talbert House
Families of teen mothers, young fathers will continue
to receive prevention and treatment services
CINCINNATI— Services United for Mothers and Adolescents (SUMA) has announced after 35 years of providing parenting services to teen mothers and young fathers with the tools and resources they need to succeed, the organization will transfer its services to Talbert House starting June 30, 2008.
“Since 1972, it has been SUMA's mission to serve the people of Cincinnati with programs that treat each individual with compassion, respect and dignity,” said Bernice Washington, SUMA executive director. “It is our sincerest hope that the five programs will flourish, and under the guidance of Talbert House, we know that the same high standards of understanding and compassion for the 2,500 clients served annually will be maintained.”
The SUMA Board of Directors decided to dissolve the agency after considerable review and due diligence. “Financial concerns and increasing administrative demands on nonprofits have made it difficult for SUMA to continue to provide quality care and remain financially viable,” said Washington. “But the programs remain strong, are well-respected and meet an important community need.”
Both SUMA and Talbert House work with children and parents at-risk by providing prevention and direct services to children, adolescents and adults, and both organizations serve clients in community and school settings. SUMA has subcontracted with Talbert House since 2005 to provide enhanced fatherhood and prevention services to the clients of both organizations.
SUMA approached Talbert House to assume responsibility for these services. “SUMA was interested in Talbert House because of our history of working together to meet the needs of these at-risk individuals and our administrative capabilities,” said Neil Tilow, Talbert House president. “Our goal is to respect the tradition established by SUMA by continuing these quality services to serve their target population. We will consider expanding the services given Talbert House’s broader reach throughout Southwest Ohio,” Tilow said.
Program funders, including United Way of Greater Cincinnati, City of Cincinnati and O’Neill Foundation, have been supportive of this transfer and will continue to fund services through Talbert House.
About SUMA:
Founded in 1972, SUMA has a proven history of providing parenting services to teen mothers and young fathers with the tools and resources they need to succeed through what can be a very challenging part of their lives.
About Talbert House:
Talbert House is a community-wide nonprofit network of social services with over 40 proven programs focusing on prevention, assessment, treatment and reintegration. Each year, Talbert House helps more than 28,000 men, women and children across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky overcome adversity to become healthy and productive citizens through its programs in community corrections, mental health, substance abuse and welfare-to-work.
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